Mickey Guyton continues to make her mark on country music and was awarded the Breakthrough Artist of the Year honor at the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year event on Oct. 13, 2021. Guyton, who finally released her debut album Remember Her Name in September, choked up a little as he sets new trails for Black women in country music.
“When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window, and in my case he shattered a whole glass ceiling. Three years ago this was not even a possibility for me, and I’d completely given up on myself and my dream to sing a genre of music that I hold so close to my heart. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with my husband and he told me to me to be authentically me, unapologetically, and write from my experience as a Black woman living in America. It changed my life and I made it my life’s purpose to show that country music really is everyone’s music. If you just take a moment and step outside of yourselves, you will see and hear some of the most beautiful music that you’ll ever hear from so many amazing people,” she told the audience.
Guyton also told the crowd that she hopes her career inspires others fighting the odds and anyone feeling marginalized.
“So to that little 7-year-old Black girl at home, to that indigenous boy, to that LGBTQIA+ teen, and that Latino boy or girl, and anyone marginalized and unseen — and yes, even to the haters on social media — this is for you. I am here for you. I am my sister’s keeper,” she said as she triumphantly held up her trophy.
Boyz II Men teamed up with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix for a collaboration to honor Chris Stapleton. Check out Guyton’s acceptance speech below.
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